Moraine Township Supervisor Mari Barnes has announced that newly
revised applications and guidelines for funding requests from nonprofit
agencies for FY07-08 are available at the Township office, 777 Central
Avenue, Highland Park and on their website
(www.morainetownship.org). Applicant proposals will be due
February 1, 2007, a month earlier than last year, and awards made by
April 1, 2007, the start of the Township's next fiscal year. The
amount budgeted for FY07-08 is $100,000, an increase over last year.

"All nonprofit agencies providing direct services to Moraine Township
residents are invited to submit requests for funding support," Barnes
said. "Based upon our Board's initial experience last year, we've
made some adjustments to the Guidelines and Application Form to clarify
what sorts of proposals will be considered for funding. Our goal
is to save agencies from wasted efforts if their proposals don't
conform to Township Guidelines. We hope that those in doubt about
qualifying will contact us before submitting a lengthy proposal."

Last year, the Moraine Township Board voted on distributing $80,000 in
direct grants, based upon recommendations of a volunteer Citizen Grant
Advisory Committee. Those grants
in FY06-07 ranged from $250 to $15,000, awarded to 21 of 27
applicants. The Citizen Grant Advisory Committee will continue to
advise the Board this year.

The $100,000 budgeted for grants for FY07-08 is in addition to the
Township's financial resources for General Assistance (direct help for
individuals), and extensive emergency medical, shelter, safety and
other services for youth, seniors, disabled and economically
disadvantaged
residents. The Township also provides donated goods in its Food
Pantry and Clothes Closet, and Moraine Door-to-Door paratransit
van/taxi subsidy program.

"Townships are special-purpose governments, representing the
community's generosity and resident safety net. We hope the
public will continue to become increasingly aware of Moraine Township
as the source of first resort for needy residents. Think of us
when you experience a hardship, or when you want to share your good
fortune.

"The grant program administers our tax-supported dollars to deserving
agencies serving Township residents and employees. We hope to
hear from everyone involved in such efforts," Barnes asserted.

Moraine Township boundaries include all of Highwood, most of Highland
Park, and small portions of Deerfield and Lake Forest.

Contact Moraine Township at (847) 432-3240 to receive an application
form, or stop in at 777 Central Avenue, Highland Park or download the
Guidelines and Application Proposal Forms as PDFs online at
www.morainetownship.org.